SIOUX LOOKOUT – Politics – The Council of The Corporation of the Municipality of Sioux Lookout adopted its 2014 Operating and Capital Budgets at their Regular Monthly meeting held March 19, 2014 .
“Funding reductions in the Ontario Municipal Partners hip Fund (OMPF) – the primary transfer payment municipalities receive from the Province – and increased policing costs made this a difficult budget to balance, especially w hen trying to maintain program and service levels,” commented Mayor Dennis Leney, adding, “but we have managed to do it, thanks in large part to the hard work of our Treasurer and senior management team.”
“The tax increase of 1.97% will represent an average additional contribution of $91.89 for 75% of residential property owners,” explained Municipal Treasurer Henry Wall, adding, “of course, certain properties will see higher or lower increases depending on MPAC (Municipal Property Assessment Corporation) assessed property value changes.”
“Staff will continue to work hard to ensure our programs and services continue to be delivered within Council’s prescribed service levels, despite having to do much more with significantly fewer resources,” noted Municipal Chief Administrative Officer, Ann Mitchell.
The 2014 Municipal Operating Budget comes in just under $32 million dollars, and includes the School Board levy of almost $1.5 million. It is also noteworthy that while the Municipality will operate on $32 million, only 32% of that comes from property taxes; the balance is funded through transfers from the Airport (almost 30%), user-fees/charges,and grants/subsidies.
The budget is available for viewing on the Municipal website : www.siouxlookout.ca.
